President Droupadi Murmu Presents 71st National Film Awards, Honours Mohanlal with Dadasaheb Phalke Award. 

New Delhi:

In a grand ceremony held in the national capital, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the 71st National Film Awards today, recognizing outstanding achievements in Indian cinema. The event witnessed a special moment as the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023 was conferred upon acclaimed actor Mohanlal, honouring his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu congratulated all the award recipients and paid tribute to Mohanlal, describing him as a versatile performer who has seamlessly portrayed the entire emotional spectrum—from tenderness to intensity—earning the title of “The Complete Actor.”

Highlighting the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, the President praised the increasing number of women-centric films being recognised for their storytelling and social impact. She lauded filmmakers who explore narratives of mothers shaping society, women confronting stereotypes, and those who raise voices against patriarchal injustice.

President Murmu underscored the cultural significance of Indian cinema, calling it the “most influential and popular art form” that reflects the diversity and unity of the world’s largest democracy. She commended the Indian film industry’s growth across multiple languages, dialects, and regions, likening its cultural depth to that of Indian literature.

Calling upon the industry to aim beyond popularity, the President emphasized,

“Popularity may be a good thing for a film, but being in the public interest, especially for the younger generation, is even better.”
She urged filmmakers to produce content that not only entertains but also educates, sensitizes, and inspires, especially the youth.

 

The ceremony celebrated cinema not merely as entertainment, but as a medium for social change and national consciousness, reinforcing its role in shaping India’s future.

Key Highlights:

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 conferred upon Mohanlal.
• Women-centric films and socially relevant narratives gain recognition.
• President urges cinema to go beyond popularity and serve the public interest.
• Emphasis on regional and linguistic diversity in Indian filmmaking.

The 71st National Film Awards showcased the vibrant spirit of Indian cinema—rooted in tradition, yet evolving with contemporary voices and stories that resonate across generations.